Compliance
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NYC removes rooftop zoning restrictions for solar, heat pump and electrification equipment
The "City of Yes" initiative, which takes effect Dec. 11, is expected to help facilitate environmentally friendly retrofits for over 50,000 buildings.
By Joe Burns • Dec. 11, 2023 -
Final SEC climate disclosure rule pushed to April 2024
The long-awaited timing update comes via the Biden administration’s regulatory agenda for next year, which also unveiled new timetables for other ESG-related proposals.
By Lamar Johnson • Dec. 7, 2023 -
Decarbonization strategies require corporate buy-in, USGBC says
While Inflation Reduction Act funding is a “key lever to decarbonization,” building owners, operators and occupants must do more to ensure that the U.S. reaches its Paris Agreement goals, the U.S. Green Building Council says.
By Joe Burns • Dec. 6, 2023 -
Existing building stock challenges decarbonization goals
Experts at an ASHRAE panel discussed the role of model codes, zero-energy codes and building performance standards in decarbonization, emphasizing solutions for effective energy and emissions management.
By Joe Burns • Dec. 5, 2023 -
IRS and Treasury propose clean energy investment tax credit updates
The proposed regulations would further define what qualifies as an ITC-eligible energy property and address Inflation Reduction Act-related wage and apprenticeship requirements.
By Joe Burns • Nov. 28, 2023 -
Without BPS compliance, owners risk reputational damage, lower revenue
As building performance standards gain momentum, properties could face several negative impacts if they fail to meet energy efficiency and decarbonization targets, a CBRE report finds.
By Joe Burns • Updated 2 hours ago -
Boston ends efforts to ban fossil fuels in new buildings through state program
Mayor Wu said she received "clear indications" the city wouldn't be chosen for the Massachusetts program. Boston now plans to explore zoning changes and a home-rule petition.
By Ysabelle Kempe • Nov. 16, 2023 -
DOL’s proposed overtime rule change faces pushback
Commenters on the rule suggested the agency reduce the minimum increase threshold, delay the rule’s enactment or abandon it altogether.
By Emilie Shumway • Nov. 13, 2023 -
Accurate benchmarking data is critical to building performance standards: ASHRAE panel
Energy audits are important to ensuring buildings comply with standards, speakers said at ASHRAE’s Decarbonization Conference for the Built Environment.
By Joe Burns • Nov. 10, 2023 -
SEC commissioner suggests ‘re-proposing’ climate risk disclosure rule
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission "should do everything possible to not promulgate a rule that is costly and ineffective," Commissioner Mark Uyeda said.
By Jim Tyson • Nov. 9, 2023 -
Poppy releases ventilation test kits, partners with Ainsworth
The kits and Poppy’s training and accreditation program aim to help owners and operators monitor air quality and prepare for tighter regulations based on the new ASHRAE standard.
By Joe Burns • Nov. 8, 2023 -
ASHRAE releases new guide on how grid interactivity can accelerate decarbonization
The guide offers best practices and considerations for carbon emissions reduction, energy usage optimization and operational cost savings, the organization says.
By Joe Burns • Nov. 2, 2023 -
Opinion
Billions in deferred maintenance projects coming to US facilities
A nationwide push to address delayed upkeep on public buildings and infrastructure will create myriad opportunities for contractors, according to a consultant.
By Mary Scott Nabers • Oct. 26, 2023 -
Debate swirls at NYC hearing on proposed delays to building emissions enforcement
Participants weighed in on whether “good-faith efforts” toward compliance should delay penalties and whether renewable energy credits provide a worrisome loophole.
By Joe Burns • Updated Oct. 30, 2023 -
Microsoft leans on PPAs, energy efficiency, water recycling in environmental efforts
“Ensuring our buildings are energy efficient is a key first step in reducing emissions,” the tech giant said in its 2022 Environmental Report.
By Joe Burns • Oct. 23, 2023 -
How Google is decarbonizing its facilities
Smart temperature and lighting controls, power purchase agreements and building electrification are all being used by the tech giant to reduce scope 2 emissions.
By Joe Burns • Oct. 16, 2023 -
‘Empty’ federal buildings under scrutiny
Unused office space poses financial and environmental issues federal agencies must address, lawmakers from both parties said at a Senate committee hearing.
By Nish Amarnath • Oct. 9, 2023 -
Cyberattack against Johnson Controls sparks downstream concerns
Worries mounted quickly after the attack on the building automation and industrial control systems vendor, which works extensively with multiple federal agencies.
By Matt Kapko • Oct. 9, 2023 -
NY state concrete emission limits to take effect January 2025 are a US first
Over the next three to 15 months producers will need to invest in upgrading equipment, technology and methods to pursue environmental product declarations and reduce emissions, an industry leader said.
By Sebastian Obando • Oct. 6, 2023 -
Wisconsin Senate committee rejects commercial building code update
The proposal could have reduced energy use 30% across the state, saving residents and businesses more than $170 million, one proponent reported.
By Nish Amarnath • Oct. 4, 2023 -
California laws will require greenhouse gas emission, climate financial risk disclosures
The legislation, which Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Saturday, echoes some requirements of the SEC’s proposed climate risk disclosures for public companies.
By Nish Amarnath • Updated Oct. 9, 2023 -
LEED v5 draft from the US Green Building Council doubles down on decarbonization
The proposal for existing buildings would set new requirements to boost climate resilience, assess social impact and cut emissions from embodied carbon, refrigerants and transportation.
By Nish Amarnath • Oct. 2, 2023 -
Biden administration will define zero emissions for buildings
The definition will draw on energy-efficiency guidelines, 100% clean energy usage and a requirement for buildings to generate zero on-site emissions, White House National Climate Adviser Ali Zaidi said.
By Nish Amarnath • Sept. 29, 2023 -
Canada Green Building Council introduces low-carbon training program for building operators, owners
The initiative seeks to meet a growing demand for skills in retrofits and construction as the country races to meet climate targets.
By Joe Burns • Sept. 28, 2023 -
Energy Department earmarks $400M for building energy codes
Codes that help buildings improve energy efficiency, save money, lower greenhouse gas emissions and increase resiliency are the goal of the grant program, DOE says.
By Nish Amarnath • Sept. 22, 2023